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On the contrary, I'd rather listen to an economist who is upfront about his political viewpoints and transparent about how he tries to keep them from influencin
by mapgrep 13y ago
On the contrary, I'd rather listen to an economist who is upfront about his political viewpoints and transparent about how he tries to keep them from influencing what he here terms the "positive economics" -- i.e. the practical economic impact -- of Bitcoin or any other problem.
As opposed to economists who conceal their political viewpoints to cover the fact that their supposedly scientific economic conclusions are intended to push a given agenda.
One of the best ways to fight your own political biases in areas where you want to try and be more objective is to be incredibly up front about them. That way, people can say, "I think you are indulging your bias in specific manner X." I wish you would do that (be specific about any complaint) instead of dismissing Krugman simply for being honest and up front.
- randyrand 13y agoYou act like those are the only options. What about a moderate economist that actually considers both sides before creating an opinion?
- mapgrep 13y agoWhy do you assume you have to be moderate to consider both sides? Doesn't it seem like once you objectively consider both sides often enough you begin to develop informed opinions that could make it hard to remain a moderate? But that doesn't mean you stop considering both sides. (Also, this implication that moderates tend to be more reasonable is erroneous. Oftentimes the correct answer starts out as marginal aka "extreme" until it is slowly validated moves the whole discourse and moderate is redefined to where one extreme used to be. And oftentimes people are moderates out of ignorance; when you begin examining any given issue and have little knowledge it is natural to stake out a "on the one hand, on the other hand" position until you learn more. Then you cease to be a reasonable moderate, at precisely the moment your knowledge becomes formidable. But I am rambling and need to go outside now :)
- randyrand 13y agoYes I agree. Should have been "a moderate and/or a person that considers both sides." But you're getting it backwards - I was unclear. You don't have to be a moderate to consider both sides, but if you consider both sides in my experience you tend to come out more moderate than if you didn't.